INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STRATEGIES: CONCEPT TO COMMERCIALISATION
The objective of protection of IP is to secure a monopoly or near monopoly position. The method for achieving this depends on the legislative environment and, in respect of certain forms of IP, whether registration is required. This, however, is not always the most effective or convenient means of protecting IP if the enterprise wishes to commercialise to its full advantage. For some enterprises the 'loss' of IP is not a relevant event. Their business strategy may not rely on its existence, maintenance or exploitation. For those enterprises that do see IP as important, the loss of IP and the consequent ability to pursue a competitive advantage can prove to be a set-back Protection of IP necessarily involves educating the staff of the enterprise about the principles of IP and the risks of failing to adequately protect the IP. This aspect is probably one area in which Indian enterprises fail to implement either at all or adequately. Staff may be trained about locking away files or keeping a 'clean desk'. Far fewer are educated about identifying IP and how to maintain records to enable its protection. |
